Summer Analyst Review

The placement focussed on providing us with both new technical knowledge in the finance sectors we rotated in, and also on development in areas such as: (1) research skills (2) stock pitching (3) cultivating relationships with colleagues and clients.

The colleagues which I "clicked" with, and was finally hired by, were those who offered me honest and useful advice. Then, they gave me massively encouraging feedback when I learnt from my former setbacks. I felt that my progress was really appreciated.

In much the same was as the positive feedback I was given, indicating that I was valued by my team, my managers gave me ongoing constructive criticism as well. It was wonderful how much the desk heads & supervisors on my desk offered me advice and help when I asked - I was very impressed!

It is the nature of the job, that you are incredibly busy in Sales and Trading. However, the desk team and the advice I was given meant I was able to manage all the jobs given. It's a question of learning to work "smartly" - rather than over-allocating your time to one or two things. I would say I was: busy and enjoying myself.

I was given the maximum responsibility possible (given that I was not financially certified). I was encouraged to produce crucial work and supporting documents for all the sales and trading staff, which had a knock-on effect on their effectiveness. I felt my work required a certain level of responsibility and was valued!

This experience could not be topped in terms of (1) preparing me for a career in Sales and Trading (2) improving my ability to manage numerous task in a fast and effective way. Great personal and professional development!

The atmosphere was fantastic - it was a constant flow of news, financial reporting begin released, products and clients responding and the desk asking me to contribute to their work. Sales and Trading is always a dynamic branch of finance, but the atmosphere at Morgan Stanley is great in terms of team work and fostering positive workplace relationships.

The HR team made the whole experience run really smoothly, and we were set up with top-of-the range support materials to do our work. We each had an HR contact who we met with regularly and who supported us in all our work - they deserve a special thanks.

We had three days of full-day training as well as constant teaching from colleagues and support through various tasks such as pitches, group sales tasks and other projects.

Very appealing. I was offered a full time place on my final day and accepted - very happily!

We (the placement students) all made a great effort to get to know each other. We met up after work a lot and found that, as the placement went on, it was really useful and supportive to have friendships in the class.

It was, of course, quite expensive to live and socialise in London - but we were paid extremely well. We were also paid well in advance of starting the placement. This meant the costs were more than manageable.

Great nightlife in London, and the class made an effort to keep each other informed of which places were good in London.

There is no end of things to do in central London, and the weekends are mostly yours to use as you wish in the city.